As Blueberry's birthday approaches, we all know that she will be given a real name - we just don't all know what that name will be. It's quite a responsibility - naming an actual human being!!!
I wanted to post another interactive blog this morning, asking you, my loyal readers: How did you get your name? Were you named after a family member? A fictional character? Did you like your name growing up? And if you have kids, how did you decide on their names?
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
She is still a she!
Today we had our 36 week OB appointment, which included the first sonogram we've had in, oh, 4 months. She's large enough now that it was really hard to get many printouts that are recognizable and cute enough for the blog, but we did get a profile and a pretty good shot of her face. Chuck outlined the face picture - not to tell you what she might look like, but just in case you have trouble deciphering what's what.
The sonogram tech confirmed that indeed, she is still a girl, and estimated her weight at 5-1/4 lbs. Her heart rate was 136, and she's head down.
Other thoughts and musings:
This weekend I shaved my legs for the first time in quite awhile. I figured I didn't really need to - I mean, it's been wintertime, so I haven't exactly been wearing shorts. That, along with not wanting to fall over or slip trying!!! But it wasn't hard at all - I was able to keep my balance just as well as ever, and it was nice wearing a dress today.
I'm starting to hear a lot of "you'd better get all the sleep you can now, because once the baby comes you won't get any" advice from people who have kids. Well, I've been getting Braxton Hicks contractions just about every night, waking me up (sometimes keeping me up) and making it nearly impossible to get a good night's sleep. I'm not convinced that sleep is cumulative, and figure it's my body's way of getting me used to functioning on interrupted sleep ahead of time.
No stretch marks (yet), but I really thought I had some this morning. Turns out, it was wrinkle marks from my t-shirt. Phew!!! I've been using "Mother's Special Blend" oil on my tummy everyday, which smells so good, and keeps my belly looking and feeling great. Also, my belly button is weird. I think it's still an inny, but the edges poof up now, so it certainly does look like an outy from underneath my shirt.
Last night we watched "The Happiest Baby on the Block" DVD, which teaches some magical swaddling and soothing techniques which really seem like they could work (I've heard 2 moms swear by the 5 S's). I decided to practice swaddling on Chuck - haha!! That's right, I swaddled him into a Charlie burrito, and I have to say, he stopped fussing ;)
The sonogram tech confirmed that indeed, she is still a girl, and estimated her weight at 5-1/4 lbs. Her heart rate was 136, and she's head down.Other thoughts and musings:
This weekend I shaved my legs for the first time in quite awhile. I figured I didn't really need to - I mean, it's been wintertime, so I haven't exactly been wearing shorts. That, along with not wanting to fall over or slip trying!!! But it wasn't hard at all - I was able to keep my balance just as well as ever, and it was nice wearing a dress today.
I'm starting to hear a lot of "you'd better get all the sleep you can now, because once the baby comes you won't get any" advice from people who have kids. Well, I've been getting Braxton Hicks contractions just about every night, waking me up (sometimes keeping me up) and making it nearly impossible to get a good night's sleep. I'm not convinced that sleep is cumulative, and figure it's my body's way of getting me used to functioning on interrupted sleep ahead of time.
No stretch marks (yet), but I really thought I had some this morning. Turns out, it was wrinkle marks from my t-shirt. Phew!!! I've been using "Mother's Special Blend" oil on my tummy everyday, which smells so good, and keeps my belly looking and feeling great. Also, my belly button is weird. I think it's still an inny, but the edges poof up now, so it certainly does look like an outy from underneath my shirt.
Last night we watched "The Happiest Baby on the Block" DVD, which teaches some magical swaddling and soothing techniques which really seem like they could work (I've heard 2 moms swear by the 5 S's). I decided to practice swaddling on Chuck - haha!! That's right, I swaddled him into a Charlie burrito, and I have to say, he stopped fussing ;)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Nine Months Pregnant
For those of you out there who have always heard that pregnancy lasts 9 months, well... I guess technically it does, because by the time you miss a period, you're already considered 1 month along. But pregnancy is actually counted as 40 weeks, closer to 10 months total. As of today, I am 36 weeks, or about 9 months pregnant, and that's a freaky thing to say!!! It SO makes you think she could come at any moment! Full-term is anything between 37-41 weeks, so if we had her now, she would not be premature, she'd just be a week pre-term, and she'd be fine. No worries people, I'm pretty sure she'll be staying put for a little while longer. But, we've got the bag packed and are ready to go whenever she is...
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tying up the loose ends
Today I went to a SafeRiders car seat fitting, which was held at a local park, by appointment only. It was pretty cool - the installation itself isn't really so difficult that we couldn't have done it ourselves, but the guy who helped me told me all about infant car safety, what we should expect if we get into an accident, and taught me how to adjust and install the seat myself, in case we need to take it out or change it around for any reason.
The Element will be great for a car seat when we can move the seat forward facing (in about a year), but for now, rear facing may be a little challenging as far as maneuvering her in and out. All in all, the Element is a much better car for the baby then the Scion, as the Scion's really too small for a car seat, stroller, diaper bag, and groceries. The Element is all waterproof and is extremely roomy and comfortable to drive in, and it has TONS of cargo room. So, we'll make it work.
The Element will be great for a car seat when we can move the seat forward facing (in about a year), but for now, rear facing may be a little challenging as far as maneuvering her in and out. All in all, the Element is a much better car for the baby then the Scion, as the Scion's really too small for a car seat, stroller, diaper bag, and groceries. The Element is all waterproof and is extremely roomy and comfortable to drive in, and it has TONS of cargo room. So, we'll make it work.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Looking Forward
It really hit me today... I was sending out an email to the volunteers about what's happening in the next two weeks, and I realized that we're REALLY close to April! Suddenly I can't decide if I'm excited or nervous. There's a certain healthy fear of the unknown surrounding the whole labor and delivery experience. I've seen Chuck go through some pretty brutal hospital experiences, but I've never even had an IV. I hate being medicated, but I don't think I have a very high pain tolerance, so I am planning on having an epidural. I'm just hoping I get a good anesthesiogist who gets it just right the first time.
Technically we have a month left, but both my mom and Chuck's mom had their first babies a couple of weeks early. They also both labored without medication and neither of them had any problems. If that is any indication of what my experience will be, then it could happen anytime and hopefully it'll be free of complications. I'm thinking positive thoughts and visualizing a calm birth experience.
I'm definitely excited to meet our daughter. I'm also looking forward to having my body back. I realize it won't truly be mine again until I'm done breastfeeding, and it may never be quite the same as it used to be, but I'd just like to be able to read laying on my tummy and sleep on my back. This might sound strange, but at my baby shower I got close to 300 diapers (and so much other great stuff)... I'm excited to put it all to use and get this going!!!
Technically we have a month left, but both my mom and Chuck's mom had their first babies a couple of weeks early. They also both labored without medication and neither of them had any problems. If that is any indication of what my experience will be, then it could happen anytime and hopefully it'll be free of complications. I'm thinking positive thoughts and visualizing a calm birth experience.
I'm definitely excited to meet our daughter. I'm also looking forward to having my body back. I realize it won't truly be mine again until I'm done breastfeeding, and it may never be quite the same as it used to be, but I'd just like to be able to read laying on my tummy and sleep on my back. This might sound strange, but at my baby shower I got close to 300 diapers (and so much other great stuff)... I'm excited to put it all to use and get this going!!!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Today was a good day
I made it back to yoga this morning after a couple weeks of not being able to go. The theme for this class was finding support, and not being afraid to ask for help once our babies arrive. It makes me feel so much better knowing that I have a support network of friends who will be stopping by in the first couple of weeks to bring food. Normally I wouldn't ask for help - when Chuck went through chemo, I was happy that I could take care of the cooking, cleaning, driving to appts - whatever I could do. But after just having the flu for a week, I know that Chuck has more trouble being the caregiver - especially when it comes to providing food. Just picking up soup and keeping enough clean bowls and spoons was a challenge. It will be harder with a baby, but we will have lots of help.
We just got back from dinner with Raquel (who's expecting her first baby in September), Jackie, Jessica & Neil. Jessica and Raquel were both sick last week and couldn't make it to the shower, so you guessed it, baby girl got more gifts! Socks, spoons, burp cloths, scrapbooking supplies... all kinds of good stuff! We also received a box of Baby Gap clothes in the mail yesterday from Ramesh & Suzanne.
We just got back from dinner with Raquel (who's expecting her first baby in September), Jackie, Jessica & Neil. Jessica and Raquel were both sick last week and couldn't make it to the shower, so you guessed it, baby girl got more gifts! Socks, spoons, burp cloths, scrapbooking supplies... all kinds of good stuff! We also received a box of Baby Gap clothes in the mail yesterday from Ramesh & Suzanne.Speaking of clothes, I just washed my first load of baby clothes. Kelsey said I can't come to work on Monday until I've packed my hospital bag, and I've heard I'm supposed to wash all the baby clothes before she wears them. Picking out "the outfit" she'll come home from the hospital in was impossible... I think I packed 4 choices. Let me tell you, she will be wearing some of the cutest little outfits. Don't worry, I also packed grown up clothes and the necessary toiletries. We'll just have to grab the iPod and laptop once the time comes (I need the laptop, how else could I blog from the hospital!?).
The past couple of nights I've been waking up with pretty bad braxton hicks contractions which last about half the night. I've been taking calcium with magnesium and potassium, which helps - and trying to stay hydrated enough, but probably not doing the best job of it. Regardless, my body's just getting ready, so it's good to have the bag packed.
The past couple of nights I've been waking up with pretty bad braxton hicks contractions which last about half the night. I've been taking calcium with magnesium and potassium, which helps - and trying to stay hydrated enough, but probably not doing the best job of it. Regardless, my body's just getting ready, so it's good to have the bag packed.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
35 Weeks
I'm starting to feel better, just really low on energy. My OB said that staying hydrated, taking tylenol to keep my temperature down, and resting are the only things we can do. She told me to stay home from work yesterday, and I went in for a 1/2 day today to ease back into the swing of things. I'm still coughing (which is pretty hard on these already too-tight abdominal muscles), and now Chuck's coughing again too. But enough about that... you came here for a baby update!
According to my baby center email, she's the size of a honeydew melon now. Over 5 pounds and (a very squished) 18 inches long from head to toe. At yesterday's appointment her heartrate was in the 150's, and I'd gained a pound even though I haven't been eating much, so everything's on track. Our next sonogram is in a week and a half, when they'll estimate her actual weight, but I don't think anybody can get it accurately until she's on that scale by herself.
Our friend Ramesh was here visiting for SXSW and told us that his baby was born at 35 weeks and is perfectly healthy - yikes!!! I don't think we're that close yet, but we are getting there. Maybe it's time to pack a hospital bag so that we're prepared when the time comes. Wait, first we have to install the car seat! It does still feel like there's a lot to do... including writing over 40 thank you cards for the 2 showers!! It's a nice problem to have. I only wish I could've been doing it during this time off, but it's hard to focus on anything when you're sick.
According to my baby center email, she's the size of a honeydew melon now. Over 5 pounds and (a very squished) 18 inches long from head to toe. At yesterday's appointment her heartrate was in the 150's, and I'd gained a pound even though I haven't been eating much, so everything's on track. Our next sonogram is in a week and a half, when they'll estimate her actual weight, but I don't think anybody can get it accurately until she's on that scale by herself.
Our friend Ramesh was here visiting for SXSW and told us that his baby was born at 35 weeks and is perfectly healthy - yikes!!! I don't think we're that close yet, but we are getting there. Maybe it's time to pack a hospital bag so that we're prepared when the time comes. Wait, first we have to install the car seat! It does still feel like there's a lot to do... including writing over 40 thank you cards for the 2 showers!! It's a nice problem to have. I only wish I could've been doing it during this time off, but it's hard to focus on anything when you're sick.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Sick Girls
Today is day 3 of the flu, and day 2 of staying home from work. I hate calling in sick from work, but I'm in no shape to leave the house right now. Chuck wouldn't let me if I wanted to.
Keeping the fever down means taking extra strength tylenol, which makes me all sweaty. Yesterday was primarily a fever and achiness, and today has included sniffling and a bad sore throat. Chuck's been taking good care of us, picking up soups and juices, and checking in on us while he works. And baby's still moving around like normal, so I'm pretty sure she's doing fine in there. I have my regular OB appointment tomorrow morning, so we'll see if my doctor thinks we need to do something more than we've been doing. Oh, and Tater's a good sick day companion.
Keeping the fever down means taking extra strength tylenol, which makes me all sweaty. Yesterday was primarily a fever and achiness, and today has included sniffling and a bad sore throat. Chuck's been taking good care of us, picking up soups and juices, and checking in on us while he works. And baby's still moving around like normal, so I'm pretty sure she's doing fine in there. I have my regular OB appointment tomorrow morning, so we'll see if my doctor thinks we need to do something more than we've been doing. Oh, and Tater's a good sick day companion.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Visiting Momma's
Well, it looks like yesterday's exhaustion has turned into today's flu. This afternoon I found myself with an achy body, fever with chills, sore throat and a cough. It's never fun to have an achy body, but it's weird when you're pregnant - my legs and belly are just sore. I'm taking Tylenol as directed, drinking lots of "yogi tea for the mother to be" that Helen gave me, and I'll be heading up to bed in a minute.
decided to make the flight from Florida about 2 weeks ago, emailing "I just really feel that I should be there - it's my sweet only daughter's first pregancy, first baby shower - what the
heck! - what's the money for?" And I think she's glad she came :)
She helped pick out the food at Sam's Club with me and Candace on Friday evening, gave me a pedicure and helped set-up for the shower, and last night we went shopping at Target where she helped us pick out a Pack 'n' Play. This morning we had brunch at
La'Madeleine, walked around the Hill Country Galleria, and I showed her the hospital where we'll be giving birth before dropping her back at the airport.
While I don't have all the baby shower pics yet (a few people will be emailing their footage), I just wanted to post a few shots of me and my mom, who made a comment that as amazing as it is that I'm having a baby, it's so amazing to her that 31 years ago she had me, and now the cycle of life is continuing. Indeed!
decided to make the flight from Florida about 2 weeks ago, emailing "I just really feel that I should be there - it's my sweet only daughter's first pregancy, first baby shower - what theheck! - what's the money for?" And I think she's glad she came :)
She helped pick out the food at Sam's Club with me and Candace on Friday evening, gave me a pedicure and helped set-up for the shower, and last night we went shopping at Target where she helped us pick out a Pack 'n' Play. This morning we had brunch at
La'Madeleine, walked around the Hill Country Galleria, and I showed her the hospital where we'll be giving birth before dropping her back at the airport.While I don't have all the baby shower pics yet (a few people will be emailing their footage), I just wanted to post a few shots of me and my mom, who made a comment that as amazing as it is that I'm having a baby, it's so amazing to her that 31 years ago she had me, and now the cycle of life is continuing. Indeed!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Thank you all so much...
My home baby shower just ended, and I honestly cannot remember the last time I was this exhausted. And yet, I can't close my eyes to take a nap! My mom, on the other hand, is upstairs snoozing, and Tater's sleeping next to me, so happy to have the house back to normal.
It was really wonderful to have so many friends here to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Little Lady Wadey. It's hard to believe that after less than 2 years of living in Austin, I've been lucky enough to find such an amazing group of friends who have been so supportive and have helped make this pregnancy so special. I remember 11 years ago when I was getting ready to get married, my mom threw me a bridal shower with about 10 friends and neighbors. I didn't have any idea what to register for - we figured we had everything we needed in our tiny apartment with hand-me-down dishes and pans. Our lives are so much different now, and having a baby is a completely different journey.
Chuck took video of opening the gifts, which must be an hour long - I've NEVER opened this many presents in one sitting before!!! I can't wait to find places for all the neat new baby things. Grandpa (or should I say, GREAT-Grandpa) and Bernice were generous enough to send us a check which should cover the rest of our immediate needs. Everything else (including diapers and wipes) is pretty much taken care of now!
So thank you everybody. Thank you to my Mom, Daniela and Daniela's Mom (who I now know is named Hilda), Teresa, Kim Barnett, Kathy, Amelia, Jennifer, Devon, Sue, Melissa, Gina, June, Christina, Erin & JD, Bethany (for the advice too), Jessica, Dragana, Lakshmy, and most especially to Chuck & Candace (who did all the work). Photos to come!
It was really wonderful to have so many friends here to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Little Lady Wadey. It's hard to believe that after less than 2 years of living in Austin, I've been lucky enough to find such an amazing group of friends who have been so supportive and have helped make this pregnancy so special. I remember 11 years ago when I was getting ready to get married, my mom threw me a bridal shower with about 10 friends and neighbors. I didn't have any idea what to register for - we figured we had everything we needed in our tiny apartment with hand-me-down dishes and pans. Our lives are so much different now, and having a baby is a completely different journey.
Chuck took video of opening the gifts, which must be an hour long - I've NEVER opened this many presents in one sitting before!!! I can't wait to find places for all the neat new baby things. Grandpa (or should I say, GREAT-Grandpa) and Bernice were generous enough to send us a check which should cover the rest of our immediate needs. Everything else (including diapers and wipes) is pretty much taken care of now!
So thank you everybody. Thank you to my Mom, Daniela and Daniela's Mom (who I now know is named Hilda), Teresa, Kim Barnett, Kathy, Amelia, Jennifer, Devon, Sue, Melissa, Gina, June, Christina, Erin & JD, Bethany (for the advice too), Jessica, Dragana, Lakshmy, and most especially to Chuck & Candace (who did all the work). Photos to come!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
An Amber's Eye View
She's also starting to make her momma's life just a little more miserable each day. The other night I had Braxton Hicks contractions all night long, and last night I couldn't even sit down without getting horrible heartburn (even after taking a Pepsid). Today one of my ankles is swollen, and just walking has been putting serious strain on my lower belly. I'm sure she'll never apologize or thank me, but that's okay.
And really, it's not so bad. Most of the time I feel great, and if I wasn't documenting all of this I would probably forget the bad parts as soon as they're gone. Maybe it's helpful for my many pregnant friends to read about my aches and pains - or maybe one day my daughter will read this when she's pregnant and know that it's all normal stuff. It could happen!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Baby Shower Time!
Yesterday we had our first baby shower with my work friends. It was such a nice lunch. We went to Romeo's, where they customized the cutest menus for us! Chuck came to take pictures, and ended up taking video of the gifts being opened, so there are no actual photos of that. But my coworkers were all so generous. Most people went in on gifts together to get us a couple of the big things we need, along with many other great presents which are all so appreciated.
They started a pool to guess what day and time baby will be born, and Amy guessed April Fools Day... that's not okay!!! Kim put April 9th at 10:29am, which I believe is exactly when she was born almost 44 years ago. And people signed up to bring us food once the baby's born, which I have to say is the coolest thing ever.
I really am the luckiest girl to not only have a job I enjoy, but to work with such a wonderful and supportive group of people. In the cards, people said over and over that they can't wait to meet Blueberry. I guess we're both the luckiest girls :)
They started a pool to guess what day and time baby will be born, and Amy guessed April Fools Day... that's not okay!!! Kim put April 9th at 10:29am, which I believe is exactly when she was born almost 44 years ago. And people signed up to bring us food once the baby's born, which I have to say is the coolest thing ever.
I really am the luckiest girl to not only have a job I enjoy, but to work with such a wonderful and supportive group of people. In the cards, people said over and over that they can't wait to meet Blueberry. I guess we're both the luckiest girls :)
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